Nintendo has enlisted actor Paul Rudd to generate excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 with a new commercial that playfully nods to a memorable 1991 Super Nintendo ad he starred in. In the original, a young Rudd, sporting a distinctive long black jacket, beaded necklace, and an eye-catching hairstyle, dramatically enters a drive-in movie theater. He connects his SNES to the big screen and engages the audience by playing classics like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, F-Zero, and Sim City. The iconic slogan "Now you're playing with power" wraps up the commercial.
Paul Rudd, from the new Nintendo Switch 2 commercial
Fast forward 34 years, and Rudd, looking remarkably similar, revisits the concept in a living room setting for the Nintendo Switch 2. He's joined by comedians Joe Lo Truglio and Jordan Carlos, along with a child who calls him "Uncle Paul." The group plays Mario Kart World, utilizing the console's new GameChat feature. The commercial humorously references the original by including a fog machine and fan, which add to the exaggerated 90s vibe. Rudd's companions playfully rib him about his nostalgic attire and demeanor. The ad concludes with Rudd adapting the classic slogan to "Now we're playing together," embracing the communal aspect of modern gaming. The overall tone is delightfully cheesy, celebrating the original's charm while adding a fresh twist.
IGN had the opportunity to interview Rudd about his experience filming this nostalgic sequel. He shared that he might have worn his own beaded necklace in the original 1991 commercial and enjoyed playing Mario Kart World on set during breaks. However, he humorously noted that he wasn't allowed to take a Nintendo Switch 2 home. You can watch the full interview here:
Just this week, preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 have reopened, set for April 24, maintaining the price at $450 despite increased accessory costs due to tariffs in the United States. For comprehensive details on securing your preorder, check out our guide.
